Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera

ABSTRACT

A zoom lens system comprising a first lens unit having negative power, a second lens unit having positive power and a third lens unit having positive power, wherein: the first lens unit comprises a first lens element having a concave surface at least on the image side and negative power and a second lens element having a convex surface at least on the object side and positive power; the second lens unit comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by two lens elements having optical power of mutually different signs and one single lens element; in zooming, all of the lens units move along an optical axis; and conditions (1): 5.0&lt;αi W &lt;20.0 and (I-2): n 11 ≧1.9 (where, 3.2&lt;f T /f W  and ω W &gt;35, αi W  is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at a maximum image height at a wide-angle limit, n 11  is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, ω W  is a half view angle at a wide-angle limit, and f T  and f W  are focal lengths of the entire system at a telephoto limit and a wide-angle limit, respectively) are satisfied.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/127,345 filed May 27, 2008, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

This application is based on application Nos. 2007-142632, 2007-142633and 2007-142634 filed in Japan on May 29, 2007, the contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a zoom lens system, an imaging deviceand a camera. In particular, the present invention relates to: a zoomlens system that has a remarkably reduced thickness at the time ofaccommodation so as to be suitable for a lens barrel of so-calledretraction type and that is still provided with a wide view angle at awide-angle limit and with a zooming ratio exceeding 3.2; an imagingdevice employing this zoom lens system; and a thin and compact cameraemploying this imaging device.

2. Description of the Background Art

Remarkably strong demands are present for size reduction of cameras suchas digital still cameras and digital video cameras (simply referred toas digital cameras, hereinafter) provided with an image sensor forperforming photoelectric conversion. In particular, in digital camerasprovided with a zoom lens system having a zooming ratio of 3 or thelike, which are most frequent in the number of sales in the market,popularity goes to a construction of external structure in which at thetime of accommodation (at the time of non-image taking), the overalllength of the lens barrel is reduced (lens barrel is retracted) so thatthe lens barrel itself does not protrude outside. Further, in recentyears, zoom lens systems are also desired that have a wide angle rangewhere the image taking field is large.

As zoom lens systems suitable for the above-mentioned digital cameras,for example, the following zoom lens systems are proposed.

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-331860discloses a variable magnification optical system, in order from theobject side, including a first lens unit having negative optical powerand a second lens unit having positive optical power, wherein: at thetime of magnification change from a wide-angle limit to a telephotolimit, the interval between the first and the second lens units isreduced; the first lens unit is composed of two or more lenses; and atleast three lens units are each composed solely of a single lens or acemented lens.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-011096 discloses avariable magnification optical system, in order from the object side,including a first lens unit having negative optical power and a secondlens unit having positive optical power each composed of a plurality oflenses, wherein: at the time of magnification change from a wide-anglelimit to a telephoto limit, the interval between the first and thesecond lens units is reduced; the first lens unit has at least oneaspheric surface; and a predetermined condition is satisfied by all ofthe maximum of the refractive index difference (absolute value) of thetwo lenses in the first lens unit, the composite focal length of thesecond lens unit, and the optical axial distance from the surface vertexof the most-image-sensor-side lens surface to the image sensor surfaceat a telephoto limit.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-023679 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side to the image side, comprising afirst lens unit having negative refractive power and a second lens unithaving positive refractive power, wherein: the interval between the twolens units varies during the zooming; the first lens unit comprises alens 11 having negative refractive power and a lens 12 having positiverefractive power; the second lens unit comprises a lens 21 havingpositive refractive power and a lens 22 having negative refractivepower; and the Abbe numbers of the lens 21 and the lens 22 satisfy apredetermined condition.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-065034 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side to the image side, comprising afirst lens unit having negative refractive power, a second lens unithaving positive refractive power and a third lens unit having positiverefractive power, wherein: the intervals between the individual lensunits vary during the zooming; the first lens unit is composed of onenegative lens and one positive lens; the second lens unit comprises asecond-a lens unit composed of one positive lens and one negative lensand a second-b lens unit that is arranged on the image side of thesecond-a lens unit and that has at least one positive lens; the thirdlens unit has at least one positive lens; and a predetermined conditionis satisfied by the image magnifications at a wide-angle limit and atelephoto limit of the second lens unit, the interval between the firstand the second lens units at a wide-angle limit, and the intervalbetween the second and the third lens units at a telephoto limit.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-084829 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side to the image side, comprising afirst lens unit having negative refractive power, a second lens unithaving positive refractive power and a third lens unit having positiverefractive power, wherein: the intervals between the individual lensunits vary during the zooming; the second lens unit comprises a second-alens unit composed of, in order from the object side to the image side,a positive lens and a negative lens and a second-b lens unit that isarranged on the image side of the second-a lens unit and that has atleast one positive lens; and a predetermined condition is satisfied bythe half view angle at a wide-angle limit, the focal lengths of thefirst and the second lens units and the focal length of the entiresystem at a wide-angle limit.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-139187 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side, comprising a first lens unit havingnegative refractive power, a second lens unit having positive refractivepower and a third lens unit having positive refractive power, wherein:the intervals between the individual lens units are changed so thatvariable magnification is achieved; the second lens unit is composed oftwo lens components consisting of a single lens on the object side and alens component on the image side; and a predetermined condition issatisfied by the radii of curvature of the single lens on the objectside and the image side and the lens optical axial thickness of thesingle lens.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-171421 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side to the image side, comprising afirst lens unit having negative refractive power, a second lens unithaving positive refractive power and a third lens unit having positiverefractive power, wherein: the intervals between the individual lensunits vary during the zooming; the first lens unit, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprises one negative lens and onepositive lens; the second lens unit, in order from the object side tothe image side, comprises a positive lens, a positive lens, a negativelens and a positive lens; and during the zooming from a wide-angle limitto a telephoto limit, the third lens unit moves to the image side.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-208890 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side to the image side, comprising afirst lens unit having negative refractive power, a second lens unithaving positive refractive power and a third lens unit having positiverefractive power, wherein: the intervals between the individual lensunits vary during the zooming; and a predetermined condition issatisfied by the amount of movement of the second lens unit during thezooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the intervalbetween the second and the third lens units at a wide-angle limit, thefocal lengths of the first and the second lens units and the focallength of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-350027 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side, comprising at least a first lensunit composed of two components and a second lens unit composed of onecomponent, wherein: at the time of magnification change, at least theinterval between the first and the second lens units varies; the firstand the second lens units have aspheric surfaces; and a predeterminedcondition is satisfied by the paraxial radius of curvature of at leastone aspheric surface A of the first lens unit and the distance betweenthe intersecting point where the most off-axis principal ray passesthrough the aspheric surface A and the optical axis.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-194974 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side to the image side, comprising afirst lens unit having negative refractive power and a second lens unithaving positive refractive power, wherein: the interval between theindividual units is changed so that magnification change from awide-angle limit to a telephoto limit is achieved; the first lens unitis, in order from the object side, composed of two lenses consisting ofa negative lens and a positive lens; and a predetermined condition issatisfied by the Abbe number of the positive lens, the refractive indexof the positive lens and the refractive index of the negative lens.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-220715 discloses a zoomlens, in order from the object side, comprising a first lens unit havingnegative refractive power, a second lens unit having positive refractivepower and a third lens unit having positive refractive power, wherein:the intervals between the individual lens units are changed so thatvariable magnification is achieved; the first lens unit is composed oftwo lenses consisting of a negative lens and a positive lens; the secondlens unit comprises two positive lenses and one negative lens; the thirdlens unit is composed of one positive lens; and a predeterminedcondition is satisfied by the refractive index of the negative lens andthe refractive index of the positive lens in the first lens unit.

The optical systems disclosed in the above-mentioned publications havezooming ratios sufficient for application to digital cameras.Nevertheless, width of the view angle at a wide-angle limit and sizereduction are not simultaneously realized. In particular, from theviewpoint of size reduction, requirements in digital cameras of recentyears are not satisfied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to realize: a zoom lens systemthat has a remarkably reduced thickness at the time of accommodation soas to be suitable for a lens barrel of so-called retraction type andthat is still provided with a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit andwith a zooming ratio of 3 or the like; an imaging device employing thiszoom lens system; and a thin and compact camera employing this imagingdevice.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

a zoom lens system, in order from the object side to the image side,comprising a first lens unit having negative optical power, a secondlens unit having positive optical power and a third lens unit havingpositive optical power, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (I-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

n₁₁≧1.9  (I-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

ωw is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

an imaging device capable of outputting an optical image of an object asan electric image signal, comprising:

a zoom lens system that forms the optical image of the object; and

an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lenssystem into the electric image signal, wherein

in the zoom lens system,

the system, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises afirst lens unit having negative optical power, a second lens unit havingpositive optical power and a third lens unit having positive opticalpower, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and the following conditions (1) and (I-2) aresatisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

n₁₁≧1.9  (I-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

a camera for converting an optical image of an object into an electricimage signal and then performing at least one of displaying and storingof the converted image signal, comprising

an imaging device having a zoom lens system that forms the optical imageof the object and an image sensor that converts the optical image formedby the zoom lens system into the electric image signal, wherein

in the zoom lens system,

the system, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises afirst lens unit having negative optical power, a second lens unit havingpositive optical power and a third lens unit having positive opticalpower, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (I-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

n₁₁≧1.9  (I-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

a zoom lens system, in order from the object side to the image side,comprising a first lens unit having negative optical power, a secondlens unit having positive optical power and a third lens unit havingpositive optical power, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (II-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)≧0.84  (II-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

an imaging device capable of outputting an optical image of an object asan electric image signal, comprising:

a zoom lens system that forms the optical image of the object; and

an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lenssystem into the electric image signal, wherein

in the zoom lens system,

the system, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises afirst lens unit having negative optical power, a second lens unit havingpositive optical power and a third lens unit having positive opticalpower, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (II-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)≧0.84  (II-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

a camera for converting an optical image of an object into an electricimage signal and then performing at least one of displaying and storingof the converted image signal, comprising

an imaging device having a zoom lens system that forms the optical imageof the object and an image sensor that converts the optical image formedby the zoom lens system into the electric image signal, wherein

in the zoom lens system,

the system, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises afirst lens unit having negative optical power, a second lens unit havingpositive optical power and a third lens unit having positive opticalpower, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (II-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)≧0.84  (II-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

a zoom lens system, in order from the object side to the image side,comprising a first lens unit having negative optical power, a secondlens unit having positive optical power and a third lens unit havingpositive optical power, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (III-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

n₁₂≧2.0  (II-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

an imaging device capable of outputting an optical image of an object asan electric image signal, comprising:

a zoom lens system that forms the optical image of the object; and

an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lenssystem into the electric image signal, wherein

in the zoom lens system,

the system, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises afirst lens unit having negative optical power, a second lens unit havingpositive optical power and a third lens unit having positive opticalpower, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (III-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

n₁₂≧2.0  (III-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The novel concepts disclosed herein were achieved in order to solve theforegoing problems in the conventional art, and herein is disclosed:

a camera for converting an optical image of an object into an electricimage signal and then performing at least one of displaying and storingof the converted image signal, comprising

an imaging device having a zoom lens system that forms the optical imageof the object and an image sensor that converts the optical image formedby the zoom lens system into the electric image signal, wherein

in the zoom lens system,

the system, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises afirst lens unit having negative optical power, a second lens unit havingpositive optical power and a third lens unit having positive opticalpower, wherein

the first lens unit is composed of two lens elements, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprising a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power,

the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing a third lenselement and a fourth lens element having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a fifth lens element being one single lens element,

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of thefirst lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move alongan optical axis, and

the following conditions (1) and (III-2) are satisfied:

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

n₁₂≧2.0  (III-2)

(here, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis),

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The present invention can provide a zoom lens system that has aremarkably reduced thickness at the time of accommodation so as to besuitable for a lens barrel of so-called retraction type and that isstill provided with a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit and with azooming ratio exceeding 3.2. Further, according to the presentinvention, an imaging device employing this zoom lens system and a thinand compact camera employing this imaging device can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This and other objects and features of this invention will become clearfrom the following description, taken in conjunction with the preferredembodiments with reference to the accompanied drawings in which:

FIGS. 1 a-1 c are lens arrangement diagrams showing an infinity in-focuscondition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1, II-1 andIII-1 (Examples I-1, II-1 and III-1);

FIGS. 2 a-2 c are longitudinal aberration diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-1, II-1and III-1;

FIG. 3 is a lateral aberration diagram in a basic state where image blurcompensation is not performed and in an image blur compensation state ata telephoto limit of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-1, II-1and III-1;

FIGS. 4 a-4 c are lens arrangement diagrams showing an infinity in-focuscondition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 andIII-2 (Examples I-2, II-2 and III-2);

FIGS. 5 a-5 c are longitudinal aberration diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-2, II-2and III-2;

FIG. 6 is a lateral aberration diagram in a basic state where image blurcompensation is not performed and in an image blur compensation state ata telephoto limit of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-2, II-2and III-2;

FIGS. 7 a-7 c are lens arrangement diagrams showing an infinity in-focuscondition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-3, II-3 andIII-3 (Examples I-3, II-3 and III-3);

FIGS. 8 a-8 c are longitudinal aberration diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-3, II-3and III-3;

FIG. 9 is a lateral aberration diagram in a basic state where image blurcompensation is not performed and in an image blur compensation state ata telephoto limit of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-3, II-3and III-3;

FIGS. 10 a-10 c are lens arrangement diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-4,II-4 and III-4 (Examples I-4, II-4 and III-4);

FIGS. 11 a-11 c are longitudinal aberration diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-4, II-4and III-4;

FIG. 12 is a lateral aberration diagram in a basic state where imageblur compensation is not performed and in an image blur compensationstate at a telephoto limit of a zoom lens system according to ExamplesI-4, II-4 and III-4;

FIGS. 13 a-13 c are lens arrangement diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-5,II-5 and III-5 (Examples I-5, II-5 and III-5);

FIGS. 14 a-14 c are longitudinal aberration diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-5, II-5and III-5;

FIG. 15 is a lateral aberration diagram in a basic state where imageblur compensation is not performed and in an image blur compensationstate at a telephoto limit of a zoom lens system according to ExamplesI-5, II-5 and III-5;

FIGS. 16 a-16 c are lens arrangement diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-6,II-6 and III-6 (Examples I-6, II-6 and III-6);

FIGS. 17 a-17 c are longitudinal aberration diagrams showing an infinityin-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-6, II-6and III-6;

FIG. 18 is a lateral aberration diagram in a basic state where imageblur compensation is not performed and in an image blur compensationstate at a telephoto limit of a zoom lens system according to ExamplesI-6, II-6 and III-6; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital still cameraaccording to Embodiments I-7, II-7 and III-7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6

FIG. 1 is a lens arrangement diagram of a zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-1, II-1 and III-1. FIG. 4 is a lens arrangement diagram ofa zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 and III-2. FIG. 7is a lens arrangement diagram of a zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-3, II-3 and III-3. FIG. 10 is a lens arrangement diagramof a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-4, II-4 and III-4. FIG.13 is a lens arrangement diagram of a zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-5, II-5 and III-5. FIG. 16 is a lens arrangement diagramof a zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-6, II-6 and III-6.

FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16 show respectively a zoom lens system in aninfinity in-focus condition. In each figure, part (a) shows a lensconfiguration at a wide-angle limit (in the minimum focal lengthcondition: focal length f_(W)), part (b) shows a lens configuration at amiddle position (in an intermediate focal length condition: focal lengthf_(M)=√/(f_(W)*f_(T))), and part (c) shows a lens configuration at atelephoto limit (in the maximum focal length condition: focal lengthf_(T)). Further, in each figure, bent arrows provided between part (a)and part (b) are lines obtained by connecting the positions of the lensunits at a wide-angle limit, at a middle position and at a telephotolimit, in order from the top to the bottom. Thus, straight lines areused simply between a wide-angle limit and a middle position and betweena middle position and a telephoto limit. That is, these straight linesdo not indicate the actual motion of the individual lens units.Moreover, in each figure, an arrow provided to a lens unit indicatesfocusing from an infinity in-focus condition to a close-object focusingstate, that is, the moving direction at the time of focusing from aninfinity in-focus condition to a close-object focusing state.

The zoom lens system according to each embodiment, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit G1 havingnegative optical power, a second lens unit G2 having positive opticalpower and a third lens unit G3 having positive optical power. Then, inzooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lensunit G1, the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 all movealong the optical axis (this lens configuration is referred to as thebasic configuration of the embodiments, hereinafter). In the zoom lenssystem according to each embodiment, these lens units are arranged intoa desired optical power arrangement, so that a zooming ratio exceeding3.2 and high optical performance are achieved and still size reductionis realized in the entire lens system.

In FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16, an asterisk “*” provided to aparticular surface indicates that the surface is aspheric. Further, ineach figure, a symbol (+) or (−) provided to the sign of each lens unitcorresponds to the sign of optical power of the lens unit. Moreover, ineach figure, the straight line located on the most right-hand sideindicates the position of an image surface S. On the object siderelative to the image surface S (between the image surface S and each ofthe most image side lens surfaces of third lens unit G3), a planeparallel plate such as an optical low-pass filter and a face plate of animage sensor is provided. Moreover, in each figure, a diaphragm A isprovided between the most image side lens surface of the first lens unitG1 and each of the most object side lens surfaces of the second lensunit G2.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-1,the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 1.9 orgreater.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-1, the firstlens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 and the second lens element L2 have high refractiveindices to the d-line.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-1, thefirst lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The secondlens element L2 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 2.0 orgreater.

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1, II-1 and III-1,the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a bi-convex third lens element L3; a bi-concave fourthlens element L4; and a bi-convex fifth lens element L5. Among these, thethird lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented witheach other.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1, II-1 andIII-1, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex sixth lenselement L6.

Here, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1, II-1 andIII-1, a parallel plate L7 is provided on the object side relative tothe image surface S (between the image surface S and the sixth lenselement L6).

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1, II-1 and III-1,in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lensunit G1 moves with locus of a convex to the image side with changing theinterval with the second lens unit G2, while the second lens unit G2moves to the object side, and while the third lens unit G3 moves to theimage side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-1, in particular, asshown later in Table I-19, the first lens element L1 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a concave surface on the image sideand negative optical power is provided with a high refractive index.Thus, in the first lens element L1, when the thickness of a part wherethe light ray height is great is set up appropriately, the lensthickness, especially, the edge thickness, can be reduced. Accordingly,the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-1 has a reduced overalloptical length at the time of non-use.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-1, in particular, asshown later in Table II-19, the first lens element L1 having a concavesurface on the image side and negative optical power and the second lenselement L2 having a convex surface on the object side and positiveoptical power, which constitute the first lens unit G1, have highrefractive indices. As such, when both of the first lens element L1 andthe second lens element L2 have high refractive indices, the opticalaxial lens thicknesses of these lens elements can be reduced, while theradii of curvature of the lenses can be increased. Further, when therefractive index difference of these lens elements is reduced, controlof the Petzval sum becomes easy. This permits appropriate compensationof curvature of field. Further, aberration compensation can be performedwithout the necessity of using a surface having a small radius ofcurvature and hence strong optical power. This permits easy compensationof off-axial aberration, especially, distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit, which easily causes a problem especially in a zoomlens system having a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-1, in particular, asshown later in Table III-19, the second lens element L2 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a convex surface on the object sideand positive optical power is provided with a remarkably high refractiveindex. Thus, in the second lens element L2, the optical axial lensthickness can be reduced, while the radius of curvature of the lens canbe increased. Accordingly, the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentIII-1 has a reduced overall optical length at the time of non-use.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1, II-1 andIII-1, the second lens unit G2 comprises: a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing a third lens element L3 having positive opticalpower and a fourth lens element L4 having negative optical power; and afifth lens element L5 being a single lens element. Thus, in each zoomlens system according to Embodiments I-1, II-1 and III-1, change ofaxial spherical aberration at the time of magnification change can becompensated appropriately. Like in each zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-1, II-1 and III-1, when the entire optical power isincreased by employing a glass material having a high refractive indexin the first lens unit G1, the incident angle of the principal ray thatenters the second lens unit G2 increases. However, when the second lensunit G2 has the above-mentioned configuration, off-axial aberrationgenerated in such a case can be compensated appropriately. Thus, theinterval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 canbe reduced, so that size reduction of each zoom lens system can berealized. Further, it is preferable that like in each zoom lens systemaccording to Embodiments I-1, II-1 and III-1, the object side surface ofthe third lens element L3 is convex and the image side surface of thefourth lens element L4 is concave. According to this configuration,axial spherical aberration and off-axial coma aberration cansimultaneously be compensated satisfactory.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-2,the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 1.9 orgreater.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-2, the firstlens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 and the second lens element L2 have high refractiveindices to the d-line.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-2, thefirst lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The secondlens element L2 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 2.0 orgreater.

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 and III-2,the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a bi-convex third lens element L3; a bi-concave fourthlens element L4; and a bi-convex fifth lens element L5. Among these, thethird lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented witheach other.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 andIII-2, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex sixth lenselement L6.

Here, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 andIII-2, a parallel plate L7 is provided on the object side relative tothe image surface S (between the image surface S and the sixth lenselement L6).

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 and III-2,in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lensunit G1 moves with locus of a convex to the image side with changing theinterval with the second lens unit G2, while the second lens unit G2moves to the object side, and while the third lens unit G3 moves to theimage side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-2, in particular, asshown later in Table I-19, the first lens element L1 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a concave surface on the image sideand negative optical power is provided with a high refractive index.Thus, in the first lens element L1, when the thickness of a part wherethe light ray height is great is set up appropriately, the lensthickness, especially, the edge thickness, can be reduced. Accordingly,the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-2 has a reduced overalloptical length at the time of non-use.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-2, in particular, asshown later in Table II-19, the first lens element L1 having a concavesurface on the image side and negative optical power and the second lenselement L2 having a convex surface on the object side and positiveoptical power, which constitute the first lens unit G1, have highrefractive indices. As such, when both of the first lens element L1 andthe second lens element L2 have high refractive indices, the opticalaxial lens thicknesses of these lens elements can be reduced, while theradii of curvature of the lenses can be increased. Further, when therefractive index difference of these lens elements is reduced, controlof the Petzval sum becomes easy. This permits appropriate compensationof curvature of field. Further, aberration compensation can be performedwithout the necessity of using a surface having a small radius ofcurvature and hence strong optical power. This permits easy compensationof off-axial aberration, especially, distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit, which easily causes a problem especially in a zoomlens system having a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-2, in particular, asshown later in Table III-19, the second lens element L2 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a convex surface on the object sideand positive optical power is provided with a remarkably high refractiveindex. Thus, in the second lens element L2, the optical axial lensthickness can be reduced, while the radius of curvature of the lens canbe increased. Accordingly, the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentIII-2 has a reduced overall optical length at the time of non-use.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 andIII-2, the second lens unit G2 comprises: a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing a third lens element L3 having positive opticalpower and a fourth lens element L4 having negative optical power; and afifth lens element L5 being a single lens element. Thus, in each zoomlens system according to Embodiments I-2, II-2 and III-2, change ofaxial spherical aberration at the time of magnification change can becompensated appropriately. Like in each zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-2, II-2 and III-2, when the entire optical power isincreased by employing a glass material having a high refractive indexin the first lens unit G1, the incident angle of the principal ray thatenters the second lens unit G2 increases. However, when the second lensunit G2 has the above-mentioned configuration, off-axial aberrationgenerated in such a case can be compensated appropriately. Thus, theinterval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 canbe reduced, so that size reduction of each zoom lens system can berealized. Further, it is preferable that like in each zoom lens systemaccording to Embodiments I-2, II-2 and III-2, the object side surface ofthe third lens element L3 is convex and the image side surface of thefourth lens element L4 is concave. According to this configuration,axial spherical aberration and off-axial coma aberration cansimultaneously be compensated satisfactory.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-3,the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 1.9 orgreater.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-3, the firstlens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 and the second lens element L2 have high refractiveindices to the d-line.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-3, thefirst lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The secondlens element L2 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 2.0 orgreater.

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-3, II-3 and III-3,the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a bi-convex third lens element L3; a bi-concave fourthlens element L4; and a bi-convex fifth lens element L5. Among these, thethird lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented witheach other.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-3, II-3 andIII-3, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex sixth lenselement L6.

Here, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-3, II-3 andIII-3, a parallel plate L7 is provided on the object side relative tothe image surface S (between the image surface S and the sixth lenselement L6).

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-3, II-3 and III-3,in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lensunit G1 moves with locus of a convex to the image side with changing theinterval with the second lens unit G2, while the second lens unit G2moves to the object side, and while the third lens unit G3 moves to theimage side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-3, in particular, asshown later in Table I-19, the first lens element L1 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a concave surface on the image sideand negative optical power is provided with a high refractive index.Thus, in the first lens element L1, when the thickness of a part wherethe light ray height is great is set up appropriately, the lensthickness, especially, the edge thickness, can be reduced. Accordingly,the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-3 has a reduced overalloptical length at the time of non-use.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-3, in particular, asshown later in Table II-19, the first lens element L1 having a concavesurface on the image side and negative optical power and the second lenselement L2 having a convex surface on the object side and positiveoptical power, which constitute the first lens unit G1, have highrefractive indices. As such, when both of the first lens element L1 andthe second lens element L2 have high refractive indices, the opticalaxial lens thicknesses of these lens elements can be reduced, while theradii of curvature of the lenses can be increased. Further, when therefractive index difference of these lens elements is reduced, controlof the Petzval sum becomes easy. This permits appropriate compensationof curvature of field. Further, aberration compensation can be performedwithout the necessity of using a surface having a small radius ofcurvature and hence strong optical power. This permits easy compensationof off-axial aberration, especially, distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit, which easily causes a problem especially in a zoomlens system having a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-3, in particular, asshown later in Table III-19, the second lens element L2 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a convex surface on the object sideand positive optical power is provided with a remarkably high refractiveindex. Thus, in the second lens element L2, the optical axial lensthickness can be reduced, while the radius of curvature of the lens canbe increased. Accordingly, the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentIII-3 has a reduced overall optical length at the time of non-use.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-3, II-3 andIII-3, the second lens unit G2 comprises: a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing a third lens element L3 having positive opticalpower and a fourth lens element L4 having negative optical power; and afifth lens element L5 being a single lens element. Thus, in each zoomlens system according to Embodiments I-3, II-3 and III-3, change ofaxial spherical aberration at the time of magnification change can becompensated appropriately. Like in each zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-3, II-3 and III-3, when the entire optical power isincreased by employing a glass material having a high refractive indexin the first lens unit G1, the incident angle of the principal ray thatenters the second lens unit G2 increases. However, when the second lensunit G2 has the above-mentioned configuration, off-axial aberrationgenerated in such a case can be compensated appropriately. Thus, theinterval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 canbe reduced, so that size reduction of each zoom lens system can berealized. Further, it is preferable that like in each zoom lens systemaccording to Embodiments I-3, II-3 and III-3, the object side surface ofthe third lens element L3 is convex and the image side surface of thefourth lens element L4 is concave. According to this configuration,axial spherical aberration and off-axial coma aberration cansimultaneously be compensated satisfactory.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentI-4, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with theconvex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus secondlens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. Thefirst lens element L1 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as1.9 or greater.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-4, the firstlens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 and the second lens element L2 have high refractiveindices to the d-line.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-4, thefirst lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The secondlens element L2 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 2.0 orgreater.

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-4, II-4 and III-4,the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a bi-convex third lens element L3; a bi-concave fourthlens element L4; and a bi-convex fifth lens element L5. Among these, thethird lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented witheach other.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-4, II-4 andIII-4, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex sixth lenselement L6.

Here, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-4, II-4 andIII-4, a parallel plate L7 is provided on the object side relative tothe image surface S (between the image surface S and the sixth lenselement L6).

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-4, II-4 and III-4,in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lensunit G1 moves with locus of a convex to the image side with changing theinterval with the second lens unit G2, while the second lens unit G2moves to the object side, and while the third lens unit G3 moves to theimage side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-4, in particular, asshown later in Table I-19, the first lens element L1 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a concave surface on the image sideand negative optical power is provided with a high refractive index.Thus, in the first lens element L1, when the thickness of a part wherethe light ray height is great is set up appropriately, the lensthickness, especially, the edge thickness, can be reduced. Accordingly,the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-4 has a reduced overalloptical length at the time of non-use.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-4, in particular, asshown later in Table II-19, the first lens element L1 having a concavesurface on the image side and negative optical power and the second lenselement L2 having a convex surface on the object side and positiveoptical power, which constitute the first lens unit G1, have highrefractive indices. As such, when both of the first lens element L1 andthe second lens element L2 have high refractive indices, the opticalaxial lens thicknesses of these lens elements can be reduced, while theradii of curvature of the lenses can be increased. Further, when therefractive index difference of these lens elements is reduced, controlof the Petzval sum becomes easy. This permits appropriate compensationof curvature of field. Further, aberration compensation can be performedwithout the necessity of using a surface having a small radius ofcurvature and hence strong optical power. This permits easy compensationof off-axial aberration, especially, distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit, which easily causes a problem especially in a zoomlens system having a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-4, in particular, asshown later in Table III-19, the second lens element L2 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a convex surface on the object sideand positive optical power is provided with a remarkably high refractiveindex. Thus, in the second lens element L2, the optical axial lensthickness can be reduced, while the radius of curvature of the lens canbe increased. Accordingly, the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentIII-4 has a reduced overall optical length at the time of non-use.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-4, II-4 andIII-4, the second lens unit G2 comprises: a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing a third lens element L3 having positive opticalpower and a fourth lens element L4 having negative optical power; and afifth lens element L5 being a single lens element. Thus, in each zoomlens system according to Embodiments I-4, II-4 and III-4, change ofaxial spherical aberration at the time of magnification change can becompensated appropriately. Like in each zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-4, II-4 and III-4, when the entire optical power isincreased by employing a glass material having a high refractive indexin the first lens unit G1, the incident angle of the principal ray thatenters the second lens unit G2 increases. However, when the second lensunit G2 has the above-mentioned configuration, off-axial aberrationgenerated in such a case can be compensated appropriately. Thus, theinterval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 canbe reduced, so that size reduction of each zoom lens system can berealized. Further, it is preferable that like in each zoom lens systemaccording to Embodiments I-4, II-4 and III-4, the object side surface ofthe third lens element L3 is convex and the image side surface of thefourth lens element L4 is concave. According to this configuration,axial spherical aberration and off-axial coma aberration cansimultaneously be compensated satisfactory.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentI-5, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with theconvex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus secondlens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. Thefirst lens element L1 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as1.9 or greater.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-5, the firstlens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 and the second lens element L2 have high refractiveindices to the d-line.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-5, thefirst lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The secondlens element L2 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 2.0 orgreater.

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-5, II-5 and III-5,the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a bi-convex third lens element L3; a bi-concave fourthlens element L4; and a bi-convex fifth lens element L5. Among these, thethird lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented witheach other.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-5, II-5 andIII-5, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex sixth lenselement L6.

Here, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-5, II-5 andIII-5, a parallel plate L7 is provided on the object side relative tothe image surface S (between the image surface S and the sixth lenselement L6).

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-5, II-5 and III-5,in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lensunit G1 moves with locus of a convex to the image side with changing theinterval with the second lens unit G2, while the second lens unit G2moves to the object side, and while the third lens unit G3 moves to theimage side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-5, in particular, asshown later in Table I-19, the first lens element L1 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a concave surface on the image sideand negative optical power is provided with a high refractive index.Thus, in the first lens element L1, when the thickness of a part wherethe light ray height is great is set up appropriately, the lensthickness, especially, the edge thickness, can be reduced. Accordingly,the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-5 has a reduced overalloptical length at the time of non-use.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-5, in particular, asshown later in Table II-19, the first lens element L1 having a concavesurface on the image side and negative optical power and the second lenselement L2 having a convex surface on the object side and positiveoptical power, which constitute the first lens unit G1, have highrefractive indices. As such, when both of the first lens element L1 andthe second lens element L2 have high refractive indices, the opticalaxial lens thicknesses of these lens elements can be reduced, while theradii of curvature of the lenses can be increased. Further, when therefractive index difference of these lens elements is reduced, controlof the Petzval sum becomes easy. This permits appropriate compensationof curvature of field. Further, aberration compensation can be performedwithout the necessity of using a surface having a small radius ofcurvature and hence strong optical power. This permits easy compensationof off-axial aberration, especially, distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit, which easily causes a problem especially in a zoomlens system having a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-5, in particular, asshown later in Table III-19, the second lens element L2 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a convex surface on the object sideand positive optical power is provided with a remarkably high refractiveindex. Thus, in the second lens element L2, the optical axial lensthickness can be reduced, while the radius of curvature of the lens canbe increased. Accordingly, the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentIII-5 has a reduced overall optical length at the time of non-use.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-5, II-5 andIII-5, the second lens unit G2 comprises: a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing a third lens element L3 having positive opticalpower and a fourth lens element L4 having negative optical power; and afifth lens element L5 being a single lens element. Thus, in each zoomlens system according to Embodiments I-5, II-5 and III-5, change ofaxial spherical aberration at the time of magnification change can becompensated appropriately. Like in each zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-5, II-5 and III-5, when the entire optical power isincreased by employing a glass material having a high refractive indexin the first lens unit G1, the incident angle of the principal ray thatenters the second lens unit G2 increases. However, when the second lensunit G2 has the above-mentioned configuration, off-axial aberrationgenerated in such a case can be compensated appropriately. Thus, theinterval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 canbe reduced, so that size reduction of each zoom lens system can berealized. Further, it is preferable that like in each zoom lens systemaccording to Embodiments I-5, II-5 and III-5, the object side surface ofthe third lens element L3 is convex and the image side surface of thefourth lens element L4 is concave. According to this configuration,axial spherical aberration and off-axial coma aberration cansimultaneously be compensated satisfactory.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentI-6, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with theconvex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus secondlens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. Thefirst lens element L1 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as1.9 or greater.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-6, the firstlens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The firstlens element L1 and the second lens element L2 have high refractiveindices to the d-line.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-6, thefirst lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side,comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convexsurface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lenselement L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The secondlens element L2 has a refractive index to the d-line as high as 2.0 orgreater.

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-6, II-6 and III-6,the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the imageside, comprises: a bi-convex third lens element L3; a bi-concave fourthlens element L4; and a bi-convex fifth lens element L5. Among these, thethird lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented witheach other.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-6, II-6 andIII-6, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex sixth lenselement L6.

Here, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-6, II-6 andIII-6, a parallel plate L7 is provided on the object side relative tothe image surface S (between the image surface S and the sixth lenselement L6).

In each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-6, II-6 and III-6,in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lensunit G1 moves with locus of a convex to the image side with changing theinterval with the second lens unit G2, while the second lens unit G2moves to the object side, and while the third lens unit G3 moves to theimage side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-6, in particular, asshown later in Table I-19, the first lens element L1 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a concave surface on the image sideand negative optical power is provided with a high refractive index.Thus, in the first lens element L1, when the thickness of a part wherethe light ray height is great is set up appropriately, the lensthickness, especially, the edge thickness, can be reduced. Accordingly,the zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-6 has a reduced overalloptical length at the time of non-use.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment II-6, in particular, asshown later in Table II-19, the first lens element L1 having a concavesurface on the image side and negative optical power and the second lenselement L2 having a convex surface on the object side and positiveoptical power, which constitute the first lens unit G1, have highrefractive indices. As such, when both of the first lens element L1 andthe second lens element L2 have high refractive indices, the opticalaxial lens thicknesses of these lens elements can be reduced, while theradii of curvature of the lenses can be increased. Further, when therefractive index difference of these lens elements is reduced, controlof the Petzval sum becomes easy. This permits appropriate compensationof curvature of field. Further, aberration compensation can be performedwithout the necessity of using a surface having a small radius ofcurvature and hence strong optical power. This permits easy compensationof off-axial aberration, especially, distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit, which easily causes a problem especially in a zoomlens system having a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment III-6, in particular, asshown later in Table III-19, the second lens element L2 that constitutesthe first lens unit G1 and that has a convex surface on the object sideand positive optical power is provided with a remarkably high refractiveindex. Thus, in the second lens element L2, the optical axial lensthickness can be reduced, while the radius of curvature of the lens canbe increased. Accordingly, the zoom lens system according to EmbodimentIII-6 has a reduced overall optical length at the time of non-use.

Further, in each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-6, II-6 andIII-6, the second lens unit G2 comprises: a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing a third lens element L3 having positive opticalpower and a fourth lens element L4 having negative optical power; and afifth lens element L5 being a single lens element. Thus, in each zoomlens system according to Embodiments I-6, II-6 and III-6, change ofaxial spherical aberration at the time of magnification change can becompensated appropriately. Like in each zoom lens system according toEmbodiments I-6, II-6 and III-6, when the entire optical power isincreased by employing a glass material having a high refractive indexin the first lens unit G1, the incident angle of the principal ray thatenters the second lens unit G2 increases. However, when the second lensunit G2 has the above-mentioned configuration, off-axial aberrationgenerated in such a case can be compensated appropriately. Thus, theinterval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 canbe reduced, so that size reduction of each zoom lens system can berealized. Further, it is preferable that like in each zoom lens systemaccording to Embodiments I-6, II-6 and III-6, the object side surface ofthe third lens element L3 is convex and the image side surface of thefourth lens element L4 is concave. According to this configuration,axial spherical aberration and off-axial coma aberration cansimultaneously be compensated satisfactory.

In the zoom lens system according to each embodiment, in zooming from awide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the first lens unit G1, thesecond lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 all move along theoptical axis. Also, among these lens units, for example, the second lensunit G2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, sothat image blur caused by hand blurring, vibration and the like can becompensated optically.

In the present invention, when the image blur is to be compensatedoptically, the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular tothe optical axis as described above, so that image blur is compensatedin a state that size increase in the entire zoom lens system issuppressed and a compact construction is realized and that excellentimaging characteristics such as small decentering coma aberration anddecentering astigmatism are satisfied.

Conditions are described below that are preferable to be satisfied by azoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configuration likeeach zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 to II-6and III-1 to III-6. Here, a plurality of preferable conditions are setforth for the zoom lens system according to each embodiment. Aconstruction that satisfies all the plural conditions is most desirablefor the zoom lens system. However, when an individual condition issatisfied, a zoom lens system having the corresponding effect can beobtained.

Further, all conditions described below hold only under the followingtwo premise conditions (A) and (B), unless noticed otherwise.

3.2<f _(T) /f _(W)  (A)

ω_(W)>35  (B)

where,

ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

Here, the condition (B) is replaced by the following condition (B)′, theeffect obtained by virtue of each condition described below is achievedmore successfully.

ω_(W)>38  (B)′

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, the following condition (1) is satisfied.

5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)

where,

αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at amaximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis).

The condition (1) sets forth the incident angle of the principal ray tothe image sensor at the maximum image height at a wide-angle limit. Whenthe condition (1) is satisfied, the incident angle at which the mostoff-axis principal ray enters the image sensor becomes small. Thisreduces the influence of shading. When the value exceeds the upper limitof the condition (1), the influence of shading in the image sensorreduces the amount of periphery light. In contrast, when the value goesbelow the lower limit of the condition (1), the angle of the negativemost off-axis principal ray at a telephoto limit becomes large at thetime of magnification change. This reduces the amount of periphery lightespecially a telephoto limit.

Here, the following condition (1)′ is further satisfied, a change issuppressed in the incident angle of the principal ray to the imagesensor at the maximum image height during the zooming. This reduces alsoa fluctuation in the amount of periphery light. Thus, this situation isremarkably effective.

αi_(W)<15.0  (1)′

Here, in a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basicconfiguration like each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 toI-6, the following condition (I-2) is satisfied simultaneously to theabove-mentioned condition (1).

n₁₁≧1.9  (I-2)

where,

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line.

The condition (I-2) sets forth the refractive index of the first lenselement. When the condition (I-2) is satisfied, the center thickness ofthe first lens element is reduced. Further, even when the curvature,especially, the curvature on the image side, is not increased, curvatureof field on the wide-angle side is suppressed. Further, when thecondition (I-2) is satisfied, a shape can be ensured that is effectiveespecially for compensation of distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit.

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, it ispreferable that the following condition (I-3) is satisfied.

0.8<(n ₁₁−1)²<1.5  (I-3)

where,

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line.

The condition (I-3) sets forth the refractive index of the first lenselement. When the condition (I-3) is satisfied, the center thickness ofthe first lens element is reduced. Further, even when the curvature,especially, the curvature on the image side, is not increased, curvatureof field on the wide-angle side is suppressed. Further, when thecondition (I-3) is satisfied, a shape can be ensured that is effectiveespecially for compensation of distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit. Here, in the first lens element, it is preferable thatin a state that the above-mentioned condition (I-3) is satisfied, theimage side surface is made aspheric. When the image side surface of thefirst lens element is made aspheric, off-axial aberration, especially,distortion and astigmatism at a wide-angle limit, can be compensatedeffectively.

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, it ispreferable that the following condition (I-4) is satisfied.

0.75<(n ₁₁−1)·f _(W) /r ₁₂<1.2  (I-4)

where,

r₁₂ is a radius of curvature of the image side surface of the first lenselement,

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (I-4) sets forth the refractive index of the first lenselement. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (I-4),the radius of curvature of the image side surface of the first lenselement becomes excessively small, and hence fabrication becomesdifficult. Thus, this situation is not preferable. In contrast, when thevalue goes below the lower limit of the condition (I-4), the opticalpower of the image side surface of the first lens element becomesexcessively weak. Thus, compensation of the above-mentioned off-axialaberration, especially, distortion and astigmatism at a wide-anglelimit, becomes insufficient. Accordingly, this situation is notpreferable. Here, in the first lens element, it is preferable that in astate that the above-mentioned condition (I-4) is satisfied, the imageside surface is made aspheric. When the image side surface of the firstlens element is made aspheric, off-axial aberration, especially,distortion and astigmatism at a wide-angle limit, can be compensatedeffectively.

Further, in a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basicconfiguration like each zoom lens system according to Embodiments II-1to II-6, the following condition (II-2) is satisfied simultaneously tothe above-mentioned condition (1).

(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)≧0.84  (II-2)

where,

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, and

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line.

The condition (II-2) sets forth the refractive indices of the first lenselement and the second lens element. When the condition (II-2) issatisfied, the optical axial lens thicknesses of these lens elements canbe reduced, while the radii of curvature of the lenses can be increased.Further, when the condition (II-2) is satisfied, control of the Petzvalsum by means of reducing the refractive index difference of these lenselements becomes easy. Thus, in a zoom lens system having the basicconfiguration, adjustment is performed such that the range of thecondition (II-2) should not be exceeded. Here, it is preferable that thefirst lens element satisfies the above-mentioned condition (II-2) andsimultaneously has an aspheric image side surface and that the secondlens element satisfies the above-mentioned condition (II-2) andsimultaneously has an aspheric object side surface. As such, when thetwo opposing surfaces of the first lens element and the second lenselement are made aspheric, off-axial aberration, especially, distortionand astigmatism at a wide-angle limit, can be compensated effectively.

Further, in a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basicconfiguration like each zoom lens system according to Embodiments III-1to III-6, the following condition (III-2) is satisfied simultaneously tothe above-mentioned condition (1).

n₁₂≧2.0  (III-2)

where,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line.

The condition (III-2) sets forth the refractive index of the second lenselement. When the condition (III-2) is satisfied, the center thicknessof the second lens element is reduced. Further, even when the curvature,especially, the curvature on the object side, is not increased,curvature of field on the wide-angle side is suppressed. Further, whenthe condition (III-2) is satisfied, a shape can be ensured that iseffective especially for compensation of distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit.

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments III-1 to III-6, itis preferable that the following condition (III-3) is satisfied.

0.8<(n ₁₂−1)²<1.5  (III-3)

where,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line.

The condition (III-3) sets forth the refractive index of the second lenselement. When the condition (III-3) is satisfied, the center thicknessof the second lens element is reduced. Further, even when the curvature,especially, the curvature on the image side, is not increased, curvatureof field on the wide-angle side is suppressed. Further, when thecondition (III-3) is satisfied, a shape can be ensured that is effectiveespecially for compensation of distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit. Here, in the second lens element, it is preferablethat in a state that the above-mentioned condition (III-3) is satisfied,the object side surface is made aspheric. When the object side surfaceof the second lens element is made aspheric, off-axial aberration,especially, distortion and astigmatism at a wide-angle limit, can becompensated effectively.

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments III-1 to III-6, itis preferable that the following condition (III-4) is satisfied.

0.4<(n ₁₂−1)·f _(W) /r ₂₁<0.7  (III-4)

where,

r₂₁ is a radius of curvature of the object side surface of the secondlens element,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (III-4) sets forth the refractive index of the second lenselement. When the condition (III-4) is satisfied, the center thicknessof the second lens element is reduced. Further, even when the curvature,especially, the curvature on the image side, is not increased, curvatureof field on the wide-angle side is suppressed. Further, when thecondition (III-4) is satisfied, a shape can be ensured that is effectiveespecially for compensation of distortion and astigmatism at awide-angle limit. Here, in the second lens element, it is preferablethat in a state that the above-mentioned condition (III-4) is satisfied,the object side surface is made aspheric. When the object side surfaceof the second lens element is made aspheric, off-axial aberration,especially, distortion and astigmatism at a wide-angle limit, can becompensated effectively.

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(5) is satisfied.

0.1<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d·f _(W)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁)<0.3  (5)

where,

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

r₁₂ is a radius of curvature of the image side surface of the first lenselement,

r₂₁ is a radius of curvature of the object side surface of the secondlens element,

d is an optical axial distance between the image side surface of thefirst lens element and the object side surface of the second lenselement, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (5) is to be satisfied by the first lens element and thesecond lens element in the first lens unit. When the value exceeds theupper limit of the condition (5), the thickness along the optical axisof the first lens unit increases, and hence difficulty arises inreduction of the overall length at the time of retraction. Thus, thissituation is not preferable. Further, when the value exceeds the upperlimit of the condition (5), compensation of various kinds of aberrationon the off-axial ray, especially, astigmatism and distortion at awide-angle limit, becomes insufficient. Thus, this situation is notpreferable. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit ofthe condition (5), similarly, compensation of various kinds ofaberration on the off-axial ray, especially, astigmatism and distortionat a wide-angle limit, becomes difficult. Thus, this situation is notpreferable.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (5)′ and (5)′ issatisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully.

0.15<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d·f _(W)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁)  (5)′

(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d·f _(W)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁)<0.25  (5)′

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(6) is satisfied.

0.0001<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d ² ·f _(w)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁ ·f _(t))<0.04  (6)

where,

n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line,

n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to the d-line,

r₁₂ is a radius of curvature of the image side surface of the first lenselement,

r₂₁ is a radius of curvature of the object side surface of the secondlens element,

d is an optical axial distance between the image side surface of thefirst lens element and the object side surface of the second lenselement,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (6) is to be satisfied by the first lens element and thesecond lens element in the first lens unit. When the value exceeds theupper limit of the condition (6), the thickness along the optical axisof the first lens unit increases, and hence difficulty arises inreduction of the overall length at the time of retraction. Thus, thissituation is not preferable. Further, when the value exceeds the upperlimit of the condition (6), compensation of various kinds of aberrationon the off-axial ray, especially, astigmatism and distortion at awide-angle limit, becomes insufficient. Thus, this situation is notpreferable. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit ofthe condition (6), similarly, compensation of various kinds ofaberration on the off-axial ray, especially, astigmatism and distortionat a wide-angle limit, becomes difficult. Thus, this situation is notpreferable.

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(9) is satisfied.

2.4<|f _(G1) |/f _(W)<4.0  (9)

where,

f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (9) sets forth the focal length of the first lens unit.When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (9), the opticalpower of the first lens unit becomes excessively weak. Thus,compensation of various kinds of aberration on the off-axial ray,especially, astigmatism and distortion at a wide-angle limit, becomesinsufficient. Further, the effective diameter of the first lens unitneed be increased. Thus, size reduction becomes difficult especially ina direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Accordingly, thissituation is not preferable. In contrast, when the value goes below thelower limit of the condition (9), the optical power of the first lensunit becomes excessively strong, and hence decentering error sensitivitybetween the first lens element and the second lens element in the firstlens unit becomes high. As a result, performance degradation caused bydecentering increases, so that fabrication becomes difficult. Thus, thissituation is not preferable. Further, when the value goes below thelower limit of the condition (9), magnification chromatic aberrationgenerated in the first lens unit becomes excessively large. Thus, thissituation is not preferable.

When the following condition (9)′ is satisfied, the above-mentionedeffect is achieved more successfully.

|f _(G1) |/f _(W)<3.0  (9)′

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(10) is satisfied.

1.85<f _(G2) /f _(W)<3.0  (10)

where,

f_(G2) is a composite focal length of the second lens unit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (10) sets forth the focal length of the second lens unit.When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (10), the amountof movement of the second lens unit during the zooming need beexcessively large. Thus, size reduction of the zoom lens system becomesdifficult. Accordingly, this situation is not preferable. In contrast,when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (10), thefocal length of the second lens unit becomes excessively short. Thiscauses difficulty in aberration compensation for the entire variablemagnification range. Thus, this situation is not preferable.

Here, when any one of the following conditions (10)′ and (10)″ isfurther satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved moresuccessfully.

1.9<f _(G2) /f _(W)  (10)′

1.95<f _(G2) /f _(W)  (10)″

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(11) is satisfied.

2.5<f _(G3) /f _(W)<6.0  (11)

where,

f_(G3) is a composite focal length of the third lens unit, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (11) sets forth the focal length of the third lens unit.When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (11), theoptical power of the third lens unit is reduced, and hence the amount ofmovement of the third lens unit increases. Thus, size reduction of theoptical system becomes difficult. Accordingly, this situation is notpreferable. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit ofthe condition (11), the optical power of the third lens unit increases.This causes difficulty in compensation of spherical aberration and comaaberration in a variable magnification range where the third lens unitgoes comparatively close to the object side. Thus, this situation is notpreferable.

Here, when any one of the following conditions (11)′ and (11)″ isfurther satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved moresuccessfully.

3.0<f _(G3) /f _(W)  (11)∝

4.0<f _(G3) /f _(W)  (11)″

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(12) is satisfied.

1.0<|f _(L1) |/f _(W)<2.5  (12)

where,

f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (12) sets forth the focal length of the first lenselement. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (12),compensation of various kinds of aberration on the off-axial ray,especially, astigmatism and distortion at a wide-angle limit, becomesinsufficient. Thus, this situation is not preferable. In contrast, whenthe value goes below the lower limit of the condition (12), the positiveoptical power of the second lens element that constitutes the first lensunit need be increased, and hence difficulty arises in compensation ofaberration generated in the first lens unit. Thus, this situation is notpreferable.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (12)′ and (12)″ issatisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully.

1.1<|f _(L1) |/f _(W)  (12)′

|f _(L1) |/f _(W)<1.6  (12)″

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(13) is satisfied.

2.0<f _(L2) /f _(W)<5.0  (13)

where,

f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element, and

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (13) sets forth the focal length of the second lenselement. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (13),the Petzval sum increases excessively, and hence the curvature of fieldincreases. Further, astigmatism also increases excessively. Thus, thissituation is not preferable. In contrast, when the value goes below thelower limit of the condition (13), the negative optical power of thefirst entire lens unit becomes weak, and hence difficulty arises inachieving the size reduction of the zoom lens system. Thus, thissituation is not preferable.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (13)′ and (13)″ issatisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully.

2.4<f _(L2) /f _(W)  (13)′

f _(L2) /f _(W)<4.0  (13)″

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(14) is satisfied.

0.4<|f _(L1) |/|f _(G1)|<0.8  (14)

where,

f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, and

f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit.

The condition (14) sets forth the focal length of the first lenselement. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (14),compensation of various kinds of aberration on the off-axial ray,especially, astigmatism and distortion at a wide-angle limit, becomesinsufficient. Thus, this situation is not preferable. In contrast, whenthe value goes below the lower limit of the condition (14), the positiveoptical power of the second lens element that constitutes the first lensunit need be increased, and hence difficulty arises in compensation ofaberration generated in the first lens unit. Thus, this situation is notpreferable.

Here, when any one of the following conditions (14)′ and (14)″ isfurther satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved moresuccessfully.

0.45<|f _(L1) |/|f _(G1)|  (14)′

0.55<|f _(L1) |/|f _(G1)|  (14)″

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(15) is satisfied.

0.85<f _(L2) /|f _(G1)|<2.0  (15)

where,

f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element, and

f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit.

The condition (15) sets forth the focal length of the second lenselement. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (15),the Petzval sum increases excessively, and hence the curvature of fieldincreases. Further, astigmatism also increases excessively. Thus, thissituation is not preferable. In contrast, when the value goes below thelower limit of the condition (15), the negative optical power of thefirst entire lens unit becomes weak, and hence difficulty arises inachieving the size reduction of the zoom lens system. Thus, thissituation is not preferable.

When the following condition (15)′ is satisfied, the above-mentionedeffect is achieved more successfully.

f _(L2) /|f _(G1)|<1.8  (15)′

In a zoom lens system having the above-mentioned basic configurationlike each zoom lens system according to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 toII-6 and III-1 to III-6, it is preferable that the following condition(16) is satisfied.

1.9<f _(L2) /|f _(L1)|<3.0  (16)

where,

f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, and

f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element.

The condition (16) sets forth the ratio between the focal lengths of thefirst lens element and the second lens element. When the value exceedsthe upper limit of the condition (16), the optical power balance becomesunsatisfactory between the first lens element and the second lenselement, and hence curvature of field and distortion increase. Thus,this situation is not preferable. In contrast, when the value goes belowthe lower limit of the condition (16), similarly, the optical powerbalance becomes unsatisfactory between the first lens element and thesecond lens element, and hence distortion occurs. At the same time, theeffective diameter of the first lens element need be increased. Thus,size reduction becomes difficult especially in a direction perpendicularto the optical axis. Thus, this situation is not preferable.

When the following condition (16)′ is satisfied, the above-mentionedeffect is achieved more successfully.

2.0<f _(L2) /|f _(L1)|  (16)′

Here, the lens units constituting the zoom lens system of eachembodiment are composed exclusively of refractive type lenses thatdeflect the incident light by refraction (that is, lenses of a type inwhich deflection is achieved at the interface between media each havinga distinct refractive index). However, the lens type is not limited tothis. For example, the lens units may employ diffractive type lensesthat deflect the incident light by diffraction; refractive-diffractivehybrid type lenses that deflect the incident light by a combination ofdiffraction and refraction; or gradient index type lenses that deflectthe incident light by distribution of refractive index in the medium.

Further, in each embodiment, a reflecting surface may be arranged in theoptical path so that the optical path may be bent before, after or inthe middle of the zoom lens system. The bending position may be set upin accordance with the necessity. When the optical path is bentappropriately, the apparent thickness of a camera can be reduced.

Moreover, each embodiment has been described for the case that aparallel plate such as an optical low-pass filter is arranged betweenthe last surface of the zoom lens system (the most image side surface ofthe third lens unit) and the image surface S. This low-pass filter maybe: a birefringent type low-pass filter made of, for example, a crystalwhose predetermined crystal orientation is adjusted; or a phase typelow-pass filter that achieves required characteristics of opticalcut-off frequency by diffraction.

Embodiments I-7, II-7 and III-7

FIG. 19 is a schematic construction diagram of a digital still cameraaccording to Embodiments I-7, II-7 and III-7. In FIG. 19, the digitalstill camera comprises: an imaging device having a zoom lens system 1and an image sensor 2 composed of a CCD; a liquid crystal displaymonitor 3; and a body 4. The employed zoom lens system 1 is a zoom lenssystem according to Embodiment I-1, II-1 or III-1. In FIG. 19, the zoomlens system 1 comprises a first lens unit G1, a diaphragm A, a secondlens unit G2 and a third lens unit G3. In the body 4, the zoom lenssystem 1 is arranged on the front side, while the image sensor 2 isarranged on the rear side of the zoom lens system 1. On the rear side ofthe body 4, the liquid crystal display monitor 3 is arranged, while anoptical image of a photographic object generated by the zoom lens system1 is formed on an image surface S.

A lens barrel comprises a main barrel 5, a moving barrel 6 and acylindrical cam 7. When the cylindrical cam 7 is rotated, the first lensunit G1, the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 move topredetermined positions relative to the image sensor 2, so thatmagnification change can be achieved ranging from a wide-angle limit toa telephoto limit. The third lens unit G3 is movable in an optical axisdirection by a motor for focus adjustment.

As such, when a zoom lens system according to Embodiment I-1, II-1 orIII-1 is employed in a digital still camera, a small digital stillcamera is obtained that has a high resolution and high capability ofcompensating the curvature of field and that has a short overall opticallength at the time of non-use. Here, in place of the zoom lens systemaccording to Embodiment I-1, II-1 or III-1, the digital still camerashown in FIG. 19 may employ any one of the zoom lens systems accordingto Embodiments I-2 to I-6, II-2 to II-6 and III-2 to III-6. Further, theoptical system of the digital still camera shown in FIG. 19 isapplicable also to a digital video camera for moving images. In thiscase, moving images with high resolution can be acquired in addition tostill images.

Further, the above-mentioned zoom lens system according to EmbodimentsI-1 to I-6, II-1 to II-6 and III-1 to III-6 and an image sensor such asa CCD or a CMOS may be applied to a mobile telephone, a PDA (PersonalDigital Assistance), a surveillance camera in a surveillance system, aWeb camera, a vehicle-mounted camera or the like.

Numerical examples are described below in which the zoom lens systemsaccording to Embodiments I-1 to I-6, II-1 to II-6 and III-1 to III-6 areimplemented. Here, in the numerical examples, the units of length areall “mm”, while the units of view angle are all “°”. Moreover, in thenumerical examples, r is the radius of curvature, d is the axialdistance, nd is the refractive index to the d-line, and vd is the Abbenumber to the d-line. In the numerical examples, the surfaces markedwith * are aspherical surfaces, and the aspherical surface configurationis defined by the following expression.

$Z = {\frac{h^{2}/r}{1 + \sqrt{1 - {\left( {1 + \kappa} \right)\left( {h/r} \right)^{2}}}} + {A\; 4h^{4}} + {A\; 6h^{6}} + {A\; 8h^{8}} + {A\; 10h^{10}} + {A\; 12h^{12}} + {A\; 14\; h^{14}}}$

Here, κ is the conic constant. A4, A6, A8, A10, A12 and A14 are fourth,sixth, eighth, tenth, twelfth, fourteenth aspherical coefficients,respectively.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of a zoom lens systemaccording to Examples I-1, II-1 and III-1. FIG. 5 is a longitudinalaberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-2, II-2and III-2. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of a zoom lenssystem according to Examples I-3, II-3 and III-3. FIG. 11 is alongitudinal aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according toExamples I-4, II-4 and III-4. FIG. 14 is a longitudinal aberrationdiagram of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-5, II-5 and III-5.FIG. 17 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of a zoom lens systemaccording to Examples I-6, II-6 and III-6.

In each longitudinal aberration diagram, part (a) shows the aberrationat a wide-angle limit, part (b) shows the aberration at a middleposition, and part (c) shows the aberration at a telephoto limit. Eachlongitudinal aberration diagram, in order from the left-hand side, showsthe spherical aberration (SA (mm)), the astigmatism (AST (mm)) and thedistortion (DIS (%)). In the spherical aberration diagram, the verticalaxis indicates the F-number (indicated as “F” in the figure), the solidline indicates the characteristics to the d-line, the short dashed lineindicates the characteristics to the F-line, and the long dashed lineindicates the characteristics to the C-line. In the astigmatism diagram,the vertical axis indicates the image height (indicated as “H” in thefigure), and the solid line and the dashed line indicate thecharacteristics to the sagittal image plane (indicated as “s” in thefigure) and the meridional image plane (indicated as “m” in the figure),respectively. In the distortion diagram, the vertical axis indicates theimage height (indicated as “H” in the figure).

Further, FIG. 3 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens systemaccording to Examples I-1, II-1 and III-1 at a telephoto limit. FIG. 6is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according toExamples I-2, II-2 and III-2 at a telephoto limit. FIG. 9 is a lateralaberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Examples I-3, II-3and III-3 at a telephoto limit. FIG. 12 is a lateral aberration diagramof a zoom lens system according to Examples I-4, II-4 and III-4 at atelephoto limit. FIG. 15 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lenssystem according to Examples I-5, II-5 and III-5 at a telephoto limit.FIG. 18 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system accordingto Examples I-6, II-6 and III-6 at a telephoto limit.

In each lateral aberration diagram, the three upper aberration diagramscorrespond to a basic state where image blur compensation is notperformed at a telephoto limit, while the three lower aberrationdiagrams correspond to an image blur compensation state where the entiresecond lens unit G2 is moved with a predetermined amount in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis at a telephoto limit. Among thelateral aberration diagrams of the basic state, the upper one showslateral aberration at an image point of 70% of the maximum image height,the middle one shows lateral aberration at the axial image point, andthe lower one shows lateral aberration at an image point of −70% of themaximum image height. Among the lateral aberration diagrams of the imageblur compensation state, the upper one shows lateral aberration at animage point of 70% of the maximum image height, the middle one showslateral aberration at the axial image point, and the lower one showslateral aberration at an image point of −70% of the maximum imageheight. In each lateral aberration diagram, the horizontal axisindicates the distance from the principal ray on the pupil surface. Thesolid line indicates the characteristics to the d-line, the short dashedline indicates the characteristics to the F-line, and the long dashedline indicates the characteristics to the C-line. In each lateralaberration diagram, the meridional image plane is adopted as the planecontaining the optical axis of the first lens unit G1 and the opticalaxis of the second lens unit G2.

Here, the amount of movement of the second lens unit G2 in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis in the image blur compensation stateat a telephoto limit is as follows.

Examples I-1, II-1 and III-1: 0.085 mm

Examples I-2, II-2 and III-2: 0.084 mm

Examples I-3, II-3 and III-3: 0.083 mm

Examples I-4, II-4 and III-4: 0.082 mm

Examples I-5, II-5 and III-5: 0.077 mm

Examples I-6, II-6 and III-6: 0.085 mm

Here, when the shooting distance is infinity, at a telephoto limit, theamount of image decentering in a case that the zoom lens system inclinesby 0.6° is equal to the amount of image decentering in a case that theentire second lens unit G2 moves in parallel by each of theabove-mentioned values in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

As seen from the lateral aberration diagrams, satisfactory symmetry isobtained in the lateral aberration at the axial image point. Further,when the lateral aberration at the +70% image point and the lateralaberration at the −70% image point are compared with each other in thebasic state, all have a small degree of curvature and almost the sameinclination in the aberration curve. Thus, decentering coma aberrationand decentering astigmatism are small. This indicates that sufficientimaging performance is obtained even in the image blur compensationstate. Further, when the image blur compensation angle of a zoom lenssystem is the same, the amount of parallel movement required for imageblur compensation decreases with decreasing focal length of the entirezoom lens system. Thus, at arbitrary zoom positions, sufficient imageblur compensation can be performed for image blur compensation angles upto 0.6° without degrading the imaging characteristics.

Numerical Examples I-1, II-1 and III-1

The zoom lens systems of Numerical Examples I-1, II-1 and III-1correspond respectively to Embodiments I-1, II-1 and III-1 shown inFIG. 1. Table 1 shows the surface data of the zoom lens systems ofNumerical Examples I-1, II-1 and III-1. Table 2 shows the asphericaldata. Table 3 shows various data.

TABLE 1 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ ∞ 133.21619 1.00000 1.90000 34.5  2* 5.35925 1.77910  3* 9.20486 1.600002.14000 17.0 4 15.16452 Variable 5(Diaphragm) ∞ 0.35000  6* 4.662682.50000 1.80359 40.8 7 −20.84682 0.40000 1.80518 25.5 8 4.11385 0.476909 16.49094 1.14410 1.77250 49.6 10  −16.49094 Variable 11* 34.991001.52000 1.66547 55.2 12* −20.15402 Variable 13  ∞ 0.78000 1.51680 64.214  ∞ Variable(BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 2 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 2 K = −1.63292E+00, A4 =1.05790E−03, A6 = −5.83521E−06, A8 = −1.81866E−07, A10 = 2.11526E−08,A12 = −8.10532E−10, A14 = 1.45996E−11 Surface No. 3 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 1.02754E−04, A6 = −1.00200E−06, A8 = −1.54130E−07, A10 = 6.70062E−09,A12 = −8.38648E−11, A14 = 1.34371E−12 Surface No. 6 K = −2.00586E−01, A4= −2.90849E−04, A6 = −4.77571E−06, A8 = 1.92564E−07, A10 = −4.44167E−08,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 11 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= −2.95645E−04, A6 = −1.10027E−05, A8 = −1.41491E−06, A10 = 0.00000E+00,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 12 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= −6.95283E−05, A6 = −2.54335E−05, A8 = −5.33846E−07, A10 =−2.96027E−08, A12 = 9.51855E−10, A14 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 3 (Various data) Zooming ratio 3.89953 Wide-angle Middle Telephotolimit position limit Focal length 4.7500 8.7822 18.5227 F-number 2.918573.97166 6.48639 View angle 38.9561 22.6993 10.9246 Image height 3.60003.6000 3.6000 Overall length 34.1452 31.3674 35.7398 of lens system BF0.90234 0.87076 0.90433 d4 14.3395 6.3773 1.3560 d10 2.7747 9.028620.7698 d12 4.5786 3.5406 1.1596 Entrance pupil 7.5224 5.5366 3.3324position Exit pupil −16.0633 −42.3618 91.1319 position Front principal10.8706 12.4982 25.6213 points position Back principal 29.3953 22.585217.2171 points position

Numerical Examples I-2, II-2 and III-2

The zoom lens systems of Numerical Examples I-2, II-2 and III-2correspond respectively to Embodiments I-2, II-2 and III-2 shown in FIG.4. Table 4 shows the surface data of the zoom lens systems of NumericalExamples I-2, II-2 and III-2. Table 5 shows the aspherical data. Table 6shows various data.

TABLE 4 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ ∞ 153.39832 1.00000 1.90366 31.3  2* 4.97707 1.51330  3* 9.90846 1.600002.14000 17.0 4 25.65453 Variable 5(Diaphragm) ∞ 0.35000  6* 4.584352.50000 1.88300 40.8 7 −126.19984 0.40000 1.84032 24.0 8 3.80605 0.476909 13.15784 1.14410 1.54422 65.1 10  −11.70916 Variable 11* 11.957441.52000 1.68863 2.8 12* −269.00643 Variable 13  ∞ 0.78000 1.51680 64.214  ∞ Variable(BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 5 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 2 K = −1.62102E+00, A4 =9.92546E−04, A6 = −1.40756E−05, A8 = 4.25996E−07, A10 = 1.33195E−08, A12= −8.10532E−10, A14 = 1.45996E−11 Surface No. 3 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 =1.02754E−04, A6 = −5.88457E−06, A8 = 9.71502E−08, A10 = 2.50977E−08, A12= −1.28748E−09, A14 = 2.26780E−11 Surface No. 6 K = −2.16239E−01, A4 =−2.93181E−04, A6 = 1.76984E−06, A8 = −6.38403E−07, A10 = 2.37553E−09,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 11 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 5.15062E−04, A6 = −1.07227E−05, A8 = 5.16505E−07, A10 = 0.00000E+00,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 12 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 9.65716E−04, A6 = −3.51255E−05, A8 = 1.27827E−06, A10 = −1.52609E−08,A12 = −1.44118E−12, A14 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 6 (Various data) Zooming ratio 3.49937 Wide-angle Middle Telephotolimit position limit Focal length 4.7501 8.7829 16.6225 F-number 2.918524.00202 6.20607 View angle 38.1940 22.5439 12.0408 Image height 3.60003.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.7876 29.5881 33.6521 of lens system BF0.89332 0.86705 0.90992 d4 12.9102 5.3058 1.3560 d10 2.7747 8.944819.0009 d12 3.9251 3.1862 1.1010 Entrance pupil 6.8479 4.7989 3.0430position Exit pupil −15.3592 −49.5164 63.9194 position Front principal10.1312 12.0239 23.9910 points position Back principal 27.0375 20.805217.0296 points position

Numerical Examples I-3, II-3 and III-3

The zoom lens systems of Numerical Examples I-3, II-3 and III-3correspond respectively to Embodiments I-3, II-3 and III-3 shown in FIG.7. Table 7 shows the surface data of the zoom lens systems of NumericalExamples I-3, II-3 and III-3. Table 8 shows the aspherical data. Table 9shows various data.

TABLE 7 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ ∞  1348.71565 1.00000 1.90000 34.5  2* 5.11743 1.09820  3* 8.60483 1.600002.00170 20.6  4 30.84142 Variable  5 (Diaphragm) ∞ 0.35000  6* 4.278472.50000 1.80359 40.8  7 −15.61139 0.40000 1.80518 25.5  8 3.707670.47690  9 16.23107 1.14410 1.77250 49.6 10 −16.23107 Variable 11*34.99100 1.52000 1.66547 55.2 12* −14.04050 Variable 13 ∞ 0.780001.51680 64.2 14 ∞ Variable(BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 8 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 2 K = −1.04746E+00, A4 =4.34782E−04, A6 = −4.45985E−06, A8 = 2.68778E−07, A10 = 7.65052E−09, A12= −8.10532E−10, A14 = 1.45996E−11 Surface No. 3 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 =1.02754E−04, A6 = 3.07720E−06, A8 = −3.30368E−07, A10 = 2.55601E−08, A12= −8.95898E−10, A14 = 1.24061E−11 Surface No. 6 K = −2.36680E−01, A4 =−3.53979E−04, A6 = 4.71708E−06, A8 = −4.41748E−06, A10 = 5.97823E−07,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 11 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 5.30285E−04, A6 = −4.59845E−05, A8 = 6.18884E−07, A10 = 0.00000E+00,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 12 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 1.04619E−03, A6 = −5.49066E−05, A8 = −1.37954E−07, A10 = 3.11468E−08,A12 = −1.29560E−10, A14 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 9 (Various data) Zooming ratio 3.49961 Wide-angle Middle Telephotolimit position limit Focal length 4.7500 8.7832 16.6232 F-number 2.919314.10304 6.24411 View angle 38.2097 22.3519 12.1664 Image height 3.60003.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.0762 29.1001 31.4502 of lens system BF0.89259 0.86193 0.92033 d4 12.7231 5.7209 1.3560 d10 2.7747 9.210417.7817 d12 3.8166 2.4377 0.5230 Entrance pupil 6.8469 4.8714 2.8514position Exit pupil −15.9812 −89.3803 50.9597 position Front principal10.2598 12.7997 24.9969 points position Back principal 26.3262 20.316914.8270 points position

Numerical Examples I-4, II-4 and III-4

The zoom lens systems of Numerical Examples I-4, II-4 and III-4correspond respectively to Embodiments I-4, II-4 and III-4 shown in FIG.10. Table 10 shows the surface data of the zoom lens systems ofNumerical Examples I-4, II-4 and III-4. Table 11 shows the asphericaldata. Table 12 shows various data.

TABLE 10 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ ∞  145.16232 1.00000 2.00060 30.0  2* 5.19498 1.26170  3* 9.00525 1.600002.14000 17.0  4 22.62464 Variable  5 (Diaphragm) ∞ 0.35000  6* 4.423042.50000 1.80359 40.8  7 −13.01458 0.40000 1.80518 25.5  8 3.870090.47690  9 15.94168 1.14410 1.77250 49.6 10 −15.94168 Variable 11*34.99100 1.52000 1.66547 55.2 12* −16.75451 Variable 13 ∞ 0.780001.51680 64.2 14 ∞ Variable(BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 11 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 2 K = −1.14790E+00, A4 =5.84081E−04, A6 = −1.59129E−05, A8 = 9.35039E−07, A10 = −1.00059E−09,A12 = −8.10532E−10, A14 = 1.45996E−11 Surface No. 3 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 1.02754E−04, A6 = −7.33764E−06, A8 = 2.78746E−07, A10 = 1.42049E−08,A12 = −9.12058E−10, A14 = 1.51972E−11 Surface No. 6 K = −2.22393E−01, A4= −3.44968E−04, A6 = 4.67676E−06, A8 = −2.18334E−06, A10 = 1.50099E−07,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 11 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 1.42464E−04, A6 = −3.98955E−05, A8 = −5.82163E−07, A10 = 0.00000E+00,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 12 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 5.02376E−04, A6 = −4.01397E−05, A8 = −2.26263E−06, A10 = 1.08415E−07,A12 = −1.81695E−09, A14 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 12 (Various data) Zooming ratio 3.49967 Wide-angle MiddleTelephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.7500 8.7827 16.6234F-number 2.89092 3.98676 6.01488 View angle 38.2071 22.4185 12.0942Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.8368 29.5281 32.4919of lens system BF 0.89580 0.86891 0.90625 d4 13.0581 5.7304 1.3560 d102.7747 8.9965 18.0063 d12 4.0755 2.8996 1.1907 Entrance pupil 6.91914.9306 2.9280 position Exit pupil −15.3885 −52.7050 80.7644 positionFront principal 10.2836 12.2734 23.0117 points position Back principal27.0868 20.7454 15.8686 points position

Numerical Examples I-5, II-5 and III-5

The zoom lens systems of Numerical Examples I-5, II-5 and III-5correspond respectively to Embodiments I-5, II-5 and III-5 shown in FIG.13. Table 13 shows the surface data of the zoom lens systems ofNumerical Examples I-5, II-5 and III-5. Table 14 shows the asphericaldata. Table 15 shows various data.

TABLE 13 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ ∞  119.24418 1.00000 2.01140 39.5  2* 4.86597 1.77910  3* 8.40003 1.600002.14000 17.0  4 13.11235 Variable  5 (Diaphragm) ∞ 0.35000  6* 4.767722.50000 1.80359 40.8  7 −12.32330 0.40000 1.80518 25.5  8 4.280050.47690  9 15.25254 1.14410 1.77250 49.6 10 −15.25254 Variable 11*34.99100 1.52000 1.66547 55.2 12* −18.93338 Variable 13 ∞ 0.780001.51680 64.2 14 ∞ 0.00000 15 ∞ 0.89301 Image surface ∞

TABLE 14 (Aaspherical data) Surface No. 2 K = −1.19386E+00, A4 =8.96521E−04, A6 = 4.59764E−06, A8 = −8.07084E−07, A10 = 3.88915E−08, A12= −8.10532E−10, A14 = 1.45996E−11 Surface No. 3 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 =1.02754E−04, A6 = 6.90901E−07, A8 = −9.90679E−07, A10 = 6.89435E−08, A12= −2.14111E−09, A14 = 2.99375E−11 Surface No. 6 K = −2.11148E−01, A4 =−3.27702E−04, A6 = 2.43383E−05, A8 = −9.53606E−06, A10 = 1.06365E−06,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 11 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= −8.31179E−04, A6 = 1.37132E−05, A8 = −1.86462E−06, A10 = 0.00000E+00,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 12 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= −5.84551E−04, A6 = 3.54458E−06, A8 = −1.11944E−06, A10 = −1.83083E−08,A12 = 5.93006E−10, A14 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 15 (Various data) Zooming ratio 3.49982 Wide-angle MiddleTelephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.4571 8.7833 15.5991F-number 2.88754 3.98155 5.77047 View angle 39.9660 22.4502 12.7826Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 32.4629 30.0415 34.5887of lens system BF 0.89301 0.89029 0.89903 d4 12.9157 4.8287 1.3560 d102.7747 8.8214 17.8788 d12 4.3294 3.9510 2.9048 Entrance pupil 6.92594.8568 3.2956 position Exit pupil −15.3698 −43.9554 130.0115 positionFront principal 10.1615 11.9198 20.7794 points position Back principal28.0058 21.2582 18.9896 points position

Numerical Examples I-6, II-6 and III-6

The zoom lens systems of Numerical Examples I-6, II-6 and III-6correspond respectively to Embodiments I-6, II-6 and III-6 shown in FIG.16. Table 16 shows the surface data of the zoom lens systems ofNumerical Examples I-6, II-6 and III-6. Table 17 shows the asphericaldata. Table 18 shows various data.

TABLE 16 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ ∞  132.69591 1.00000 1.90000 34.5  2* 5.31144 1.67660  3* 8.20655 1.600002.14001 17.0  4 12.92607 Variable  5 (Diaphragm) ∞ 0.35000  6* 4.632412.50000 1.80359 40.8  7 −16.75005 0.40000 1.80518 25.5  8 4.089860.47690  9 16.26490 1.14410 1.77250 49.6 10 −16.26490 Variable 11*34.99100 1.52000 1.66547 55.2 12* −19.75175 Variable 13 ∞ 0.780001.51680 64.2 14 ∞ 0.88740 Image surface ∞

TABLE 17 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 2 K = −1.52569E+00, A4 =9.91831E−04, A6 = −3.80305E−05, A8 = 1.55672E−06, A10 = −1.00099E−08,A12 = −8.10532E−10, A14 = 1.45996E−11 Surface No. 3 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 1.02754E−04, A6 = −2.39064E−05, A8 = 1.06717E−06, A10 = −1.34725E−08,A12 = −3.79007E−10, A14 = 8.99162E−12 Surface No. 6 K = −2.16738E−01, A4= −3.65080E−04, A6 = 3.15745E−05, A8 = −9.36779E−06, A10 = 1.02727E−06,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 11 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 8.92736E−05, A6 = 1.25593E−05, A8 = −5.70164E−07, A10 = 0.00000E+00,A12 = 0.00000E+00, A14 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 12 K = 0.00000E+00, A4= 4.23038E−04, A6 = −3.06887E−05, A8 = 4.74700E−06, A10 = −3.25614E−07,A12 = 7.45183E−09, A14 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 18 (Various data) Zooming ratio 3.48221 Wide-angle MiddleTelephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.7475 8.7879 16.5318F-number 2.88680 3.81013 5.71191 View angle 38.1898 22.4175 12.2040Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 34.0404 30.0527 33.6601of lens system BF 0.88740 0.86378 0.85479 d4 14.5443 5.7890 1.3560 d102.7844 7.9014 17.5048 d12 4.3767 4.0510 2.4969 Entrance pupil 7.73105.3998 3.3133 position Exit pupil −15.0977 −34.4690 194.9748 positionFront principal 11.0685 12.0020 21.2529 points position Back principal29.2929 21.2648 17.1284 points position

Table I-19 shows values corresponding to the individual conditions inthe zoom lens system of Numerical Examples I-1 to I-6. Table II-19 showsvalues corresponding to the individual conditions in the zoom lenssystem of Numerical Examples II-1 to II-6. Table III-19 shows valuescorresponding to the individual conditions in the zoom lens system ofNumerical Examples III-1 to III-6.

TABLE I-19 (Values corresponding to conditions) Numerical ExampleCondition I-1 I-2 I-3  (1) αi_(W) 8.60 10.33 9.29 (I-2) n₁₁ 1.900001.90366 1.90000 (I-3) (n₁₁ − 1)² 0.810 0.817 0.810 (I-4) (n₁₁ − 1) ·f_(W)/r₁₂ 0.798 0.862 0.835  (5) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d · f_(W)/0.175 0.150 0.107 (r₁₂ · r₂₁)  (6) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d² · f_(W)/0.017 0.014 0.007 (r₁₂ · r₂₁ · f_(T))  (9) |f_(G1)|/f_(W) 2.710 2.7592.838 (10) f_(G2)/f_(W) 2.211 2.201 2.130 (11) f_(G3)/f_(W) 4.091 3.5083.210 (12) |f_(L1)|/f_(W) 1.521 1.291 1.217 (13) f_(L2)/f_(W) 3.7842.828 2.421 (14) |f_(L1)|/|f_(G1)| 0.561 0.468 0.429 (15)f_(L2)/|f_(G1)| 1.396 1.025 0.853 (16) f_(L2)/|f_(L1)| 2.489 2.190 1.990Numerical Example Condition I-4 I-5 I-6 (1) αi_(W) 9.37 8.75 9.94 (I-2)n₁₁ 2.00060 2.01140 1.90000 (I-3) (n₁₁ − 1)² 1.001 1.023 0.810 (I-4)(n₁₁ − 1) · f_(W)/r₁₂ 0.915 0.926 0.804  (5) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d ·f_(W)/ 0.146 0.224 0.187 (r₁₂ · r₂₁)  (6) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d² ·f_(W)/ 0.011 0.026 0.019 (r₁₂ · r₂₁ · f_(T))  (9) |f_(G1)|/f_(W) 2.7202.545 2.784 (10) f_(G2)/f_(W) 2.122 2.212 2.182 (11) f_(G3)/f_(W) 3.6274.189 4.041 (12) |f_(L1)|/f_(W) 1.251 1.497 1.510 (13) f_(L2)/f_(W)2.600 3.896 3.518 (14) |f_(L1)|/|f_(G1)| 0.460 0.588 0.542 (15)f_(L2)/|f_(G1)| 0.956 1.531 1.263 (16) f_(L2)/|f_(L1)| 2.079 2.602 2.329

TABLE II-19 (Values corresponding to conditions) Numerical ExampleCondition II-1 II-2 II-3  (1) αi_(W) 8.60 10.33 9.29 (II-2) (n₁₁ − 1) ·(n₁₂ − 1) 1.026 1.030 0.902  (5) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d · f_(W)/(r₁₂· r₂₁) 0.176 0.150 0.107  (6) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d² · f_(W)/(r₁₂ ·r₂₁ · f_(T)) 0.017 0.014 0.007  (9) |f_(G1)|/f_(W) 2.710 2.759 2.838(10) f_(G2)/f_(W) 2.211 2.201 2.130 (11) f_(G3)/f_(W) 4.091 3.508 3.210(12) |f_(L1)|/f_(W) 1.521 1.291 1.217 (13) f_(L2)/f_(W) 3.784 2.8282.421 (14) |f_(L1)|/|f_(G1)| 0.561 0.468 0.429 (15) f_(L2)/|f_(G1)|1.396 1.025 0.853 (16) f_(L2)/|f_(L1)| 2.489 2.190 1.990 NumericalExample Condition II-4 II-5 II-6  (1) αi_(W) 9.37 8.75 9.94 (II-2) (n₁₁− 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) 1.140 1.153 1.026  (5) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d ·f_(W)/(r₁₂ · r₂₁) 0.146 0.224 0.187  (6) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d² ·f_(W)/(r₁₂ · r₂₁ · f_(T)) 0.011 0.026 0.019  (9) |f_(G1)|/f_(W) 2.7202.545 2.784 (10) f_(G2)/f_(W) 2.122 2.212 2.182 (11) f_(G3)/f_(W) 3.6274.189 4.041 (12) |f_(L1)|/f_(W) 1.251 1.497 1.510 (13) f_(L2)/f_(W)2.600 3.896 3.518 (14) |f_(L1)|/|f_(G1)| 0.460 0.588 0.542 (15)f_(L2)/|f_(G1)| 0.956 1.531 1.263 (16) f_(L2)/|f_(L1)| 2.079 2.602 2.329

TABLE III-19 (Values corresponding to conditions) Numerical ExampleCondition III-1 III-2 III-3  (1) αi_(W) 8.60 10.33 9.29 (III-2) n₁₂2.14000 2.14000 2.00170 (III-3) (n₁₂ − 1)² 1.300 1.300 1.003 (III-4)(n₁₂ − 1) · f_(W)/r₂₁ 0.588 0.547 0.553  (5) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d ·f_(W)/ 0.176 0.150 0.107 (r₁₂ · r₂₁)  (6) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂ − 1) · d² ·f_(W)/ 0.017 0.014 0.007 (r₁₂ · r₂₁ · f_(T))  (9) |f_(G1)|/f_(W) 2.7102.759 2.838 (10) f_(G2)/f_(W) 2.211 2.201 2.130 (11) f_(G3)/f_(W) 4.0913.508 3.210 (12) |f_(L1)|/f_(W) 1.521 1.291 1.217 (13) f_(L2)/f_(W)3.784 2.828 2.421 (14) |f_(L1)|/|f_(G1)| 0.561 0.468 0.429 (15)f_(L2)/|f_(G1)| 1.396 1.025 0.853 (16) f_(L2)/|f_(L1)| 2.489 2.190 1.990Numerical Example Condition III-4 III-5 III-6  (1) αi_(W) 9.37 8.75 9.94(III-2) n₁₂ 2.14000 2.14000 2.14001 (III-3) (n₁₂ − 1)² 1.300 1.300 1.300(III-4) (n₁₂ − 1) · f_(W)/r₂₁ 0.601 0.605 0.659  (5) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂− 1) · d · f_(W)/ 0.146 0.224 0.187 (r₁₂ · r₂₁)  (6) (n₁₁ − 1) · (n₁₂− 1) · d² · f_(W)/ 0.011 0.026 0.019 (r₁₂ · r₂₁ · f_(T))  (9)|f_(G1)|/f_(W) 2.720 2.545 2.784 (10) f_(G2)/f_(W) 2.122 2.212 2.182(11) f_(G3)/f_(W) 3.627 4.189 4.041 (12) |f_(L1)|/f_(W) 1.251 1.4971.510 (13) f_(L2)/f_(W) 2.600 3.896 3.518 (14) |f_(L1)|/|f_(G1)| 0.4600.588 0.542 (15) f_(L2)/|f_(G1)| 0.956 1.531 1.263 (16) f_(L2)/|f_(L1)|2.079 2.602 2.329

The zoom lens system according to the present invention is applicable toa digital input device such as a digital still camera, a digital videocamera, a mobile telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), asurveillance camera in a surveillance system, a Web camera or avehicle-mounted camera. In particular, the present zoom lens system issuitable for an imaging optical system in a digital still camera, adigital video camera or the like that requires high image quality.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way ofexample with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to beunderstood that various changes and modifications will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes andmodifications depart from the scope of the present invention, theyshould be construed as being included therein.

1. A zoom lens system, in order from the object side to the image side,comprising a first lens unit having negative optical power, a secondlens unit having positive optical power and a third lens unit havingpositive optical power, wherein the first lens unit, in order from theobject side to the image side, consists of a first lens element that hasa concave surface at least on the image side and that has negativeoptical power and a second lens element that has a convex surface atleast on the object side and that has positive optical power, the secondlens unit comprises a cemented lens element fabricated by cementing lenselements having optical power of mutually different signs, and a singlelens element, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit,all of the first lens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unitmove along an optical axis, and the following conditions (1) and (I-2)are satisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)n₁₁≧1.9  (I-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, αi_(W) isan incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at a maximumimage height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₁ is arefractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 2. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (I-3):0.8<(n ₁₁−1)²<1.5  (I-3) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where,n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 3. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (I-4):0.75<(n ₁₁−1)·f _(W) /r ₁₂<1.2  (I-4) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) andω_(W)>35) where, r₁₂ is a radius of curvature of the image side surfaceof the first lens element, n₁₁ is a refractive index of the first lenselement to the d-line, ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-anglelimit, f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephotolimit, and f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-anglelimit.
 4. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 1, satisfying thefollowing condition (5):0.1<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d·f _(W)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁)<0.3  (5) (wherein,3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ωw>35) where, n₁₁ is a refractive index of the firstlens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lenselement to the d-line, r₁₂ is a radius of curvature of the image sidesurface of the first lens element, r₂₁ is a radius of curvature of theobject side surface of the second lens element, d is an optical axialdistance between the image side surface of the first lens element andthe object side surface of the second lens element, ω_(W) is a half viewangle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length of the entiresystem at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length of the entiresystem at a wide-angle limit.
 5. The zoom lens system as claimed inclaim 1, satisfying the following condition (6):0.0001<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d ² ·f _(w)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁ ·f _(t))<0.04  (6)(wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, n₁₁ is a refractive indexof the first lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is a refractive index ofthe second lens element to the d-line, r₁₂ is a radius of curvature ofthe image side surface of the first lens element, r₂₁ is a radius ofcurvature of the object side surface of the second lens element, d is anoptical axial distance between the image side surface of the first lenselement and the object side surface of the second lens element, ω_(W) isa half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 6. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (9):2.4<|f _(G1) |/f _(W)<4.0  (9) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 7. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (10):1.85<f _(G2) /f _(W)<3.0  (10) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G2) is a composite focal length of the second lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 8. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (11):2.5<f _(G3) /f _(W)<6.0  (11) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G3) is a composite focal length of the third lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 9. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (12):1.0<|f _(L1) |/f _(W)<2.5  (12) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 10. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (13):2.0<f _(L2) /f _(W)<5.0  (13) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 11. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (14):0.4<|f _(L1) |/|f _(G1)|<0.8  (14) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) andω_(W)>35) where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element,f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 12. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (15):0.85<f _(L2) /|f _(G1)|<2.0  (15) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) andω_(W)>35) where, f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element,f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 13. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 1, satisfying the following condition (16):1.9<f _(L2) /|f _(L1)|<3.0  (16) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, f_(L2) is afocal length of the second lens element, ω_(W) is a half view angle (°)at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at atelephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at awide-angle limit.
 14. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 1,wherein the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis.
 15. An imaging device capable of outputting an opticalimage of an object as an electric image signal, comprising: a zoom lenssystem that forms the optical image of the object; and an image sensorthat converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into theelectric image signal, wherein in the zoom lens system, the system, inorder from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lensunit having negative optical power, a second lens unit having positiveoptical power and a third lens unit having positive optical power,wherein the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the imageside, consists of a first lens element that has a concave surface atleast on the image side and that has negative optical power and a secondlens element that has a convex surface at least on the object side andthat has positive optical power, the second lens unit comprises acemented lens element fabricated by cementing lens elements havingoptical power of mutually different signs, and a single lens element, inzooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of the firstlens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move along anoptical axis, and the following conditions (1) and (I-2) are satisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)n₁₁>1.9  (I-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, αi_(W) isan incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at a maximumimage height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₁ is arefractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 16. A camera for converting anoptical image of an object into an electric image signal and thenperforming at least one of displaying and storing of the converted imagesignal, comprising an imaging device having a zoom lens system thatforms the optical image of the object and an image sensor that convertsthe optical image formed by the zoom lens system into the electric imagesignal, wherein in the zoom lens system, the system, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit havingnegative optical power, a second lens unit having positive optical powerand a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein the firstlens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, consists ofa first lens element that has a concave surface at least on the imageside and that has negative optical power and a second lens element thathas a convex surface at least on the object side and that has positiveoptical power, the second lens unit comprises a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing lens elements having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a single lens element, in zooming from a wide-anglelimit to a telephoto limit, all of the first lens unit, the second lensunit and the third lens unit move along an optical axis, and thefollowing conditions (1) and (I-2) are satisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)n₁₁≧1.9  (I-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, αi_(W) isan incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at a maximumimage height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₁ is arefractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 17. A zoom lens system, inorder from the object side to the image side, comprising a first lensunit having negative optical power, a second lens unit having positiveoptical power and a third lens unit having positive optical power,wherein the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the imageside, consists of a first lens element that has a concave surface atleast on the image side and that has negative optical power and a secondlens element that has a convex surface at least on the object side andthat has positive optical power, the second lens unit comprises acemented lens element fabricated by cementing lens elements havingoptical power of mutually different signs, and a single lens element, inzooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of the firstlens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move along anoptical axis, and the following conditions (1) and (II-2) are satisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)>0.84  (II-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensorat a maximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positivewhen the principal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of theimage sensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₁ is arefractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is arefractive index of the second lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 18. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (5):0.1<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d·f _(W)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁)<0.3  (5) (wherein,3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, n₁₁ is a refractive index of thefirst lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is a refractive index of thesecond lens element to the d-line, r₁₂ is a radius of curvature of theimage side surface of the first lens element, r₂₁ is a radius ofcurvature of the object side surface of the second lens element, d is anoptical axial distance between the image side surface of the first lenselement and the object side surface of the second lens element, ω_(W) isa half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 19. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (6):0.0001<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d ² f _(w)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁ f _(t)) 0.04  (6)(wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, n₁₁ is a refractive indexof the first lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is a refractive index ofthe second lens element to the d-line, r₁₂ is a radius of curvature ofthe image side surface of the first lens element, r₂₁ is a radius ofcurvature of the object side surface of the second lens element, d is anoptical axial distance between the image side surface of the first lenselement and the object side surface of the second lens element, ω_(W) isa half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 20. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (9):2.4|f _(G1) |/|f _(W)|<4.0  (9) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 21. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (10):1.85f _(G2) /f _(W)<3.0  (10) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G2) is a composite focal length of the second lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 22. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (11):2.5f _(G1) /f _(W)<6.0  (11) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G3) is a composite focal length of the third lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 23. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (12):1.0|f _(L1) |/f _(W)<2.5  (12) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 24. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (13):2.0f _(L2) /|f _(W)|<5.0  (13) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 25. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (14):0.4|f _(L1) |/|f _(G1)|<4.0  (14) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) andω_(W)>35) where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element,f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 26. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 17, satisfying the following condition (15):0.85f _(L2) /|f _(G1)|<2.0  (15) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element, f_(G1) is acomposite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W) is a half viewangle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length of the entiresystem at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length of the entiresystem at a wide-angle limit.
 27. The zoom lens system as claimed inclaim 17, satisfying the following condition (16):1.9f _(L2) /|f _(L1)|<4.0  (16) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, f_(L2) is afocal length of the second lens element, ω_(W) is a half view angle (°)at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at atelephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at awide-angle limit.
 28. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 17,wherein the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis.
 29. An imaging device capable of outputting an opticalimage of an object as an electric image signal, comprising: a zoom lenssystem that forms the optical image of the object; and an image sensorthat converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into theelectric image signal, wherein in the zoom lens system, the system, inorder from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lensunit having negative optical power, a second lens unit having positiveoptical power and a third lens unit having positive optical power,wherein the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the imageside, consists of a first lens element that has a concave surface atleast on the image side and that has negative optical power and a secondlens element that has a convex surface at least on the object side andthat has positive optical power, the second lens unit comprises acemented lens element fabricated by cementing lens elements havingoptical power of mutually different signs, and a single lens element, inzooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of the firstlens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move along anoptical axis, and the following conditions (1) and (II-2) are satisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)≧0.84  (II-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensorat a maximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positivewhen the principal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of theimage sensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₁ is arefractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is arefractive index of the second lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 30. A camera for converting anoptical image of an object into an electric image signal and thenperforming at least one of displaying and storing of the converted imagesignal, comprising an imaging device having a zoom lens system thatforms the optical image of the object and an image sensor that convertsthe optical image formed by the zoom lens system into the electric imagesignal, wherein in the zoom lens system, the system, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit havingnegative optical power, a second lens unit having positive optical powerand a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein the firstlens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, consists ofa first lens element that has a concave surface at least on the imageside and that has negative optical power and a second lens element thathas a convex surface at least on the object side and that has positiveoptical power, the second lens unit comprises a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing lens elements having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a single lens element, in zooming from a wide-anglelimit to a telephoto limit, all of the first lens unit, the second lensunit and the third lens unit move along an optical axis, and thefollowing conditions (1) and (II-2) are satisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)≧0.84  (II-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, αi_(W) is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensorat a maximum image height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positivewhen the principal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of theimage sensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₁ is arefractive index of the first lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is arefractive index of the second lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 31. A zoom lens system, inorder from the object side to the image side, comprising a first lensunit having negative optical power, a second lens unit having positiveoptical power and a third lens unit having positive optical power,wherein the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the imageside, consists of a first lens element that has a concave surface atleast on the image side and that has negative optical power and a secondlens element that has a convex surface at least on the object side andthat has positive optical power, the second lens unit comprises acemented lens element fabricated by cementing lens elements havingoptical power of mutually different signs, and a single lens element, inzooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of the firstlens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move along anoptical axis, and the following conditions (1) and (III-2) aresatisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)n₁₂≧2.0  (II-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, αi_(W) isan incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at a maximumimage height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₂ is arefractive index of the second lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 32. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (III-3):0.8<(n ₁₂−1)²<1.5  (III-3) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lens element to thed-line, ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is afocal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is afocal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 33. The zoomlens system as claimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition(III-4):0.4<(n ₁₂−1)·f _(W) /r ₂₁<0.7  (III-4) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) andω_(W)>35) where, r₂₁ is a radius of curvature of the object side surfaceof the second lens element, n₁₂ is a refractive index of the second lenselement to the d-line, ω_(W) is a half view angle (°) at a wide-anglelimit, f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephotolimit, and f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-anglelimit.
 34. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 31, satisfying thefollowing condition (5):0.1<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d·f _(W)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁)<0.3  (5) (wherein,3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, n₁₁ is a refractive index of thefirst lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is a refractive index of thesecond lens element to the d-line, r₁₂ is a radius of curvature of theimage side surface of the first lens element, r₂₁ is a radius ofcurvature of the object side surface of the second lens element, d is anoptical axial distance between the image side surface of the first lenselement and the object side surface of the second lens element, ω_(W) isa half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 35. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (6):0.0001<(n ₁₁−1)·(n ₁₂−1)·d ² ·f _(w)/(r ₁₂ ·r ₂₁ ·f _(t))<0.04  (6)(wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, n₁₁ is a refractive indexof the first lens element to the d-line, n₁₂ is a refractive index ofthe second lens element to the d-line, r₁₂ is a radius of curvature ofthe image side surface of the first lens element, r₂₁ is a radius ofcurvature of the object side surface of the second lens element, d is anoptical axial distance between the image side surface of the first lenselement and the object side surface of the second lens element, ω_(W) isa half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 36. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (9):2.4<|f _(G1) |/f _(W)<4.0  (9) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 37. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (10):1.85<f _(G2) /f _(W)<3.0  (10) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G2) is a composite focal length of the second lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 38. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (11):2.5<f _(G3) /f _(W)<6.0  (11) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(G3) is a composite focal length of the third lens unit, ω_(W)is a half view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal lengthof the entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 39. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (12):1.0<|f _(L1) |/f _(W)<2.5  (12) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 40. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (13):2.0<f _(L2) /f _(W)<4.0  (13) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 41. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (14):0.4<|f _(L1) |/|f _(G1)<0.8  (14) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) andω_(W)>35) where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element,f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 42. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (15):0.85<f _(L2) /|f _(G1)|<2.0  (15) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) andω_(W)>35) where, f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element,f_(G1) is a composite focal length of the first lens unit, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 43. The zoom lens system asclaimed in claim 31, satisfying the following condition (16):1.9<f _(L2) /|f _(L1)|<3.0  (16) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35)where, f_(L1) is a focal length of the first lens element, f_(L2) is afocal length of the second lens element, ω_(W) is a half view angle (°)at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at atelephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at awide-angle limit.
 44. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 31,wherein the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis.
 45. An imaging device capable of outputting an opticalimage of an object as an electric image signal, comprising: a zoom lenssystem that forms the optical image of the object; and an image sensorthat converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into theelectric image signal, wherein in the zoom lens system, the system, inorder from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lensunit having negative optical power, a second lens unit having positiveoptical power and a third lens unit having positive optical power,wherein the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the imageside, consists of a first lens element that has a concave surface atleast on the image side and that has negative optical power and a secondlens element that has a convex surface at least on the object side andthat has positive optical power, the second lens unit comprises acemented lens element fabricated by cementing lens elements havingoptical power of mutually different signs, and a single lens element, inzooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, all of the firstlens unit, the second lens unit and the third lens unit move along anoptical axis, and the following conditions (1) and (III-2) aresatisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)n₁₂≧2.0  (III-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, αi_(W)is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at a maximumimage height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₂ is arefractive index of the second lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.
 46. A camera for converting anoptical image of an object into an electric image signal and thenperforming at least one of displaying and storing of the converted imagesignal, comprising an imaging device having a zoom lens system thatforms the optical image of the object and an image sensor that convertsthe optical image formed by the zoom lens system into the electric imagesignal, wherein in the zoom lens system, the system, in order from theobject side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit havingnegative optical power, a second lens unit having positive optical powerand a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein the firstlens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, consists ofa first lens element that has a concave surface at least on the imageside and that has negative optical power and a second lens element thathas a convex surface at least on the object side and that has positiveoptical power, the second lens unit comprises a cemented lens elementfabricated by cementing lens elements having optical power of mutuallydifferent signs, and a single lens element, in zooming from a wide-anglelimit to a telephoto limit, all of the first lens unit, the second lensunit and the third lens unit move along an optical axis, and thefollowing conditions (1) and (III-2) are satisfied:5.0<αi_(W)<20.0  (1)n₁₂≧2.0  (III-2) (wherein, 3.2<f_(T)/f_(W) and ω_(W)>35) where, αi_(W)is an incident angle of a principal ray to an image sensor at a maximumimage height at a wide-angle limit (defined as positive when theprincipal ray is incident on a light acceptance surface of the imagesensor in a state of departing from the optical axis), n₁₂ is arefractive index of the second lens element to the d-line, ω_(W) is ahalf view angle (°) at a wide-angle limit, f_(T) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a telephoto limit, and f_(W) is a focal length ofthe entire system at a wide-angle limit.